The holiday season is officially in full swing, and even the British Royal Family is getting into the festive spirit by sharing some of their favorite Christmas traditions. Among these cheerful revelations, Prince William has let the world in on a delightful little secret: when it comes to holiday movies, he has a clear favorite, and it’s a modern classic that many of us love too.
What is Prince William’s favourite Christmas film that he watches every year?
Prince William has delighted fans by sharing a glimpse of his Christmas traditions, revealing that his favorite festive film is none other than Elf, the 2003 holiday comedy starring Will Ferrell. Speaking during an interview for the Royal Marsden Hospital radio station, the Prince expressed his affection for the movie, which has become a staple of his holiday season. “It’s very funny, and I keep watching it every Christmas, and it still makes me laugh,” he said, showing a relatable side to his royal persona.
Elf, directed by Jon Favreau, tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole. Discovering that he’s not actually an elf, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to reconnect with his biological father. His innocent and unabashedly festive outlook on life leads to a series of comical and touching adventures, as Buddy navigates modern society while spreading Christmas cheer in the least likely places.
The film has become a cherished holiday favorite worldwide, loved for its humor, heart, and an unforgettable performance by Will Ferrell. Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy is key to the movie’s enduring charm, as his genuine and joyful take on the character avoids feeling overly saccharine. This authenticity, paired with the film’s clever humor and family-friendly themes, has solidified Elf as a modern classic.
For Prince William, who was in his early twenties when the movie was first released, Elf offers a mix of nostalgia and timeless appeal. It’s not hard to see why he, along with millions of others, returns to the film every Christmas. It’s the perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt storytelling, with scenes that are just as hilarious and endearing now as they were over two decades ago.
The film also holds a special place in cinematic history. Directed by Jon Favreau, Elf marked a turning point in Favreau’s career, showcasing his ability to craft a blockbuster hit before his pivotal work on Iron Man, which would redefine the superhero genre. The movie’s box-office success was remarkable, grossing over $220 million globally on a modest $33 million budget. Its supporting cast, including James Caan as Buddy’s gruff biological father, Bob Newhart as Papa Elf, and Zooey Deschanel as Buddy’s love interest, added depth and humor to the story.
Prince William’s choice of Elf as his go-to Christmas movie aligns him with countless families who find joy in Buddy’s unwavering optimism and the film’s message of love and togetherness. His enthusiasm for the movie also reflects a universal truth about the holiday season: no matter our station in life, we all cherish moments of laughter and connection with loved ones.
The Prince’s admission also highlights a lighter, more relatable side to his role as a royal. Beyond his responsibilities as President of the Royal Marsden Hospital—an institution dedicated to cancer treatment and research, following in the footsteps of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales—this festive revelation shows his appreciation for the simple joys of the season, like gathering with family to watch a beloved film.
In a season filled with cherished traditions, Prince William’s annual rewatching of Elf reminds us of the power of timeless stories to bring people together, whether it’s the future King of England or families around the world sharing a laugh at Buddy’s antics. For those looking to follow in royal footsteps, Elf is available to watch on various streaming platforms and promises to deliver the same magic and cheer it has brought to Prince William’s family year after year.